DAY 01          ARRIVE PARO & DRIVE TO THIMPHU

PARO ALTITUDE 7, 600 feet / 2,280 meters

THIMPHU ALTITUDE 7,730 feet / 2,320 meters

DISTANCE PARO – THIMPHU = 54 kilometers / 33.75 miles time taken 2 hours

Fly from Bangkok to Paro on Druk Air. From a left window seat on clear days you can experience a spectacular view of Himalayan peaks as you approach Paro. On arrival you will be received by our representative and then start our two hours drive to Thimphu, the road winds along with the Paro River, until you arrive at the confluence of Paro and Thimphu River. From here we start north along the Thimphu River passing through paddy fields, villages and Apple orchards until we see the Capital City from a distance. We check in to our hotel, if time permits we will have sightseeing around Thimphu Valley. This will solely depend on the arrival time of the Druk Air. Overnight at Migmar or similar.

 

DAY 02           THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING

After a late breakfast, you will start your sightseeing of Thimphu with a visit to the Medicine Institute where traditional medicines are prepared according to ancient practices. Then we head to The Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkhas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls). Followed by a stop at The Folk Heritage Museum, a nineteenth century house preserved to present the visitors with how middle class Bhutanese lived in the past. Next we will visit the National Library and head for lunch. After lunch, we will visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum (13 arts and crafts institute). Here we will witness the young Bhutanese being trained in the skill of 13 various arts and crafts of Bhutan. Then to visit the Textile Museum, the traditional gold and silver smith workshop, weaving center and other places of interest before heading back to the hotel.

DAY 03           THIMPHU-PUNAKHA

PUNAKHA: ALTITUDE: 4,162 feet / 1,250 meters

DISTANCE: 71 Kilometers / 44.38 miles

TIME: 2.5 hours driving

ALTITUDE GAIN: 2,730 feet & ALTITUDE LOSS 6,298 feet

After breakfast we will start our drive to Punakha early before the clouds come in and block the views of the Bhutan’s Snowcapped Mountain seen from the Dochula Pass. Leaving Thimphu the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass (10,460 feet / 3,140 m). This pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, as we descend along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Punakha (1,350 meters/ 4,162 feet). Before proceeding further to Punakha town we will hike up to the Chimi Lhakhang temple on a small hilltop. This temple is dedicated to the great Yogi in 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenley or popularly known as “Divine madman” to the westerners. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility; it is about 40 minutes of round trip walk. We proceed to hotel where lunch will be served. After lunch we will proceed to Punakha town to view the majestic Dzong (fortress), situated between the two rivers Pho Chu and Mochu (male and Female River). This fortress is now used as the winter seat of the Je Khenpo (the Spiritual head of Bhutan). In the past this Dzong was the capital seat of the Kingdom. Overnight at Meri Puensum Resort.

DAY 04           PUNAKHA – THIMPHU

THIMPHU: 7,730 feet / 2,320 meters

Distance: 71 Kilometers

TIME: 2.5 hours

Altitude Gain: 6,300 feet / Altitude Loss 2,730 feet

After Breakfast We start our journey to Thimphu back on the same lateral highway that we had come the other day. Once again we will stop at the Dochula Pass for few minutes for a leg stretch and photographs; if lucky we might be able to view Bhutan’s 200 mile snowcapped peaks in the north if we had missed the other day. Resume our journey, to Thimphu. Check into our hotel and lunch will be served here. After lunch we will visit the the Memorial Chorten (stupa). This stupa was built in the memory of His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, third king of Bhutan. We will then make a stop at Tashichho Dzong, the fortress that houses the main secretariat and the monk body. Overnight at Migmar or similar.

DAY 05           THIMPHU – DRUKGYAL DZONG – SHANA

Driving Distance 70 kilometers / 43.75 miles

Trekking Distance 9.3 miles / 15 kilometers and takes about 4 hours

Altitude gain 889 feet / 267 meters

Altitude loss 260 feet / 79 meters

After breakfast we will drive to Drukgyal Dzong (2,580m / 8,591 ft) 16 Kms from Paro town and 84 Kms from Thimphu, the drive takes a little more than 2 hours, built in 1647 by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal, the Dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts, village and on a clear day experience the spectacular view of Mt. Chomolhari (7,314 m / 23990ft).

The trek starts from here with a short downhill walk on a wide trail. After descending about 100 m, you reach the river where a primitive stone bath has been carved into the bank. Look back and see how well positioned the Dzong was to keep watch over this valley. Continue your trek upriver through a narrow agricultural valley. Your overnight camp will be at Shana Zampa, Alt 2,850 m /9,480 ft. Overnight at camp

DAY 06  SHANA – THANGTHANGKHA

Distance 13.6 miles / 21.76 kilometers and takes about 7-8 hours

Altitude gain 2,608 feet / 783 meters

Altitude loss 0feet / 0 meters

Today is a long day, so start early. The trail continues its gradual climb alongside the Paro Chhu through conifers and rhododendron. In places it is quite close to the river; if the water is high you might have to climb over a few small hills to get around places where the water has flowed onto the trail. About 15 minutes beyond Shana Zampa are the remnants of an old bridge with a house and a Chorten on the other side. At this point the route enters Jigme Dorji National Park.

The trail makes continuous, but gentle, climb on a rocky trail through Oaks, rhododendron and ferns, crossing several small streams. Your camp for tonight will be at Thangthangkha, elevation 3,630 m /12,088 ft. There is a small stone shelter and a Bhutanese style house in a cedar grove at the edge of the meadow.

DAY 07  THANGTHANGKHA – JANGOTHANG

Distance 8.7 miles / 14 kilometers and takes about 5-6 hours

Altitude gain 1,498 feet / 450 meters

Altitude loss 0feet / 0 meters

After enjoying the view to Jhomolhari and a good breakfast, we start our long day to the base camp. As we start the trek the view is gradually lost, but the mountain will be seen again in its full glory from Jangothang base camp. Today’s trail again follows the river and changes direction several times. Late in spring towards the tree line, the rare blue poppy, Bhutan’s national flower has been spotted. You will cross few villages, by now there should be a view towards the summit of the spiky peak Jitchu Drake about 22,470 feet / 6,850 meters. Cross a bridge and suddenly the overwhelming snow – and ice covered east face of Jhomolhari (23,995 feet appears, with its massive 3,200 meter high wall of granite, marble and quartzite. We have reached the Jhomolhari base camp alt. 4,090 m /13,415 ft.

DAY 08 HALT IN JANGOTHANG

Sun reaches camp at 0800 hrs in fall. Most people will feel the effect of ascending 6000 feet in three days, so a rest day at the base camp will help with acclimatization. However, those who wish to explore the vicinity of Jhomolhari, one can take a day hike. Although there are many good day hike, with only one day rest here we will not be able to do all, we have furnished you below two different day hikes for your choice.

DAY HIKES:

1. The most challenging day hike is up the steep, grassy ridge located next to camp to the north. It takes 3-4 hrs to reach the final rocky summit (15,610 feet). The views get better and better, first of Jitchu Drake and, at one point, when crossing over a ridge Jhomolhari is just opposite. The last part of the rocky summit can be tricky due to loose rocks and wind; bring a windproof jacket, gloves and hat.
2. Another view point is the steep, grassy hill (16,334 feet) that starts from the second bridge at Jangothang. There is no real trail, just endless switchbacks uphill. It is about 3 hours climb to reach a prayer flag (clearly visible from camp) from where you get a superb view back to the Jhomolhari and Jitchu Drake group and the campsite. If it is wet, be careful on the descent.

You can also put your rest day to good use and enjoy the beauty of nature by just relaxing at the camp site.

DAY 09  JANGOTHANG – DHUMZO

Distance 13 miles / 21 kilometers and takes about 6-7 hours

Altitude gain 2,625 feet / 788 meters

Altitude loss 3,580 feet / 1,075 meters

Today is a tough day; we start early crossing the bridge, start a steep climb of about 1000 feet in a very short distance. There are breathtaking views of Mount Jhomolhari (23,995 feet), Jhomolhari II (22,770 feet), Mount Jichu Drake (22,925 feet) and down the valley to Jangothang camp site. After the ascent we arrive at flower carpeted meadow with several Yak herders tent (in spring) indicates the end of the climb. This area is normally known for flocks of Himalayan blue sheep and its predator Snow Leopards, look high up on the rocky slopes for blue sheep. Watch your footings; the ground is uneven and full of marmot burrows. After crossing the meadow you will find clear trail along the Tsho Phu River (Sometimes dry in spring). Continue further into the beautiful valley, with towering rocky peaks of over 16500 feet, there are beautiful views back towards Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake, which slowly disappears. We continue walking along the shore of the lake, then began to climb quite steeply. This steep part gains the top of the impressive rock face, with superb views of Jitchu Drake reflected in the lakes below. The trail winds up and into an upper valley, with snowcapped peaks in distance, leading to the Bhonte La (The Pass is first visible at the last 45 minutes). Bhonte La Pass (16,040 feet / 4,890 meters) is the highest pass of this trek. From the Pass there are views of the Basingthang peaks (around 18,500 feet) and a big snowy peak to the south called Chatarake (Dzo Drake, Jo Darkey; 18,300 feet). World’s Third highest mountain Kangchenjunga (28,160 feet) is visible if you climb up the higher peak east from the Pass. From the Pass the trail drops through a steep narrow gully, continuing through small grassy hill topped with a cairn. It begins to drop quickly to a large, grass covered area tucked beneath an enormous rock cliff and water fall. Leave this meadow and descend very steeply through a narrow gully, below the tree line. We finally arrive at our campsite, Dhumzo ( 12,460 feet).

DAY 10           DHUMZO – THOMBU SHONG

Distance 7 miles / 11 kilometers and takes about 4-5 hours

Altitude gain 2,420 feet / 740 meters

Altitude loss 1,370 feet / 420 meters

A small ascend from the camp through a forest of rhododendron, birch, and oak draped with mosses brings you to a meadow with a huge juniper tree. Continuing on the meadow the trail descends and crosses bridge. From here we Continue our ascend through a forest, then another climb of about 700 feet where we will be greeted by a prayer flag where there are some cairns and a beautiful view of Soe Yaksa Valley and surrounding mountains. A nice flat trail now skirts around the hillside covered with rhododendron bushes, changing direction slowly to the south. We continue for another one hour of climb to arrive at Takhung La Pass (14, 880 feet). The pass is decorated with several cairns wrapped in prayer flags. On both sides we can climb up small hills to get a good view of Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Teri Gang, and in the distance Kangchenjunga (28,160 feet) and even Makalu (27,760 feet) blocking the view of Mount Everest. The trail first stays high to the left with some exciting drop offs, then winds gently downhill to the campsite at Thombu Shong (13,510 feet).

DAY 11  THOMBU SHONG – SHANA

Distance 9 miles / 14.5 kilometers and takes about 5-6 hours

Altitude gain 495 feet / 150 meters

Altitude loss 4,525 feet / 1,380 meters

We start our day by crossing the swampy area and then through a clear trail leading though the bushes of rhododendron and then climb steeply to Thombu La Pass (14,005 feet). Again the Pass is decorated with cairns and few prayer flags. One can get breathtaking views of Chatarake (Dzo Drake, Jo Darkey; 18,300 feet) at the southeast. Also with a little effort by climbing a small hill (14,270 feet) one can get great view of Kangchenjunga (28,160 feet) on the Sikkim- Nepal border as well as some smaller peaks of around 20,000 feet in North Sikkim. Nearer, on the Bhutan-Tibet border you will see Drake Gang (around 17,500 feet) the local male deity. The ridge walk from the pass is one of the best parts of the trek; the walk offers one with a good trail and beautiful views. After about an hour of walk we start our big descend. Edelweiss grows in abundance along the trail and huge lammergeyers or bearded vulture cruise on the warm uplifts of the valley below. The trail steeply descends for about 2-3 hours, be careful with your steps and your knees. We finally arrive at the day 5 campsite, SHANA.

DAY 12 SHANA – DRUKGYAL GANG and DRIVE TO PARO.

Trekking Distance 9.3 miles / 15 kilometers and takes about 4 hours

Altitude gain 260 feet / 80 meters

Altitude loss 1,020 feet / 310 meters

A four hour hike through the lovely valley ends our trek at Drukgyal Dzong, where our vehicles will be waiting for us to shuttle back to Paro for a rest and hot shower. Rest of the day free or we can explore the Paro valley. Overnight at Khangkhu or similar.

DAY 13 EXCURSION TO TIGER’S NEST

Today we will visit the world famous Tibetan Mahayana Buddhist pilgrim site. After breakfast our car will drop us at the starting point of the excursion to view the spectacular Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s lair). The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. You stop at the cafeteria for a rest and refreshments and continue the hike for short while until you see, clearly and seemingly within reach, the newly renovated Taktsang monastery. Originally built in 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. The history states that Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in 8^th century, landed here on the back of a flying tiger. Looking at the monastery flying tigers doesn’t seem so impossible after all. We can further continue to walk the small narrow winding path down and then up till the upper level of the monastery if the path is dry and not slippery. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria or another tourist standard restaurant in Paro town after returning from the monastery. After returning to the road head we will drive down south to visit the Kyichu lhakhang, this small temple is believed to have built in the 7^th century by a Tibetan King known as Songtsen Gompo. Continue our drive south to visit Dungtse Lhakhang, it has three floors representing the hell, earth and heaven. The paintings in this temple are very old and interesting; during our visit in this temple please do not forget to carry a flash light, it is quite dark inside. We end our day here and return to hotel for a nice super. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 14  DEPART PARO

After breakfast our car will shuttle us to the Paro airport for our flight home.

 

TRIP RATING: Strenuous

 

ACTIVITIES: STRENOUSE HIKING Sightseeing, cultural and nature encounters

 

MEETING PLACE: Paro Airport, Bhutan     TRIP END: Paro Airport, Bhutan

LODGING: 6 nights in hotels and lodges, 7 nights camping.

 

 

 

 

 

 

DAY 01            ARRIVE PARO & DRIVE TO THIMPHU

PARO ALTITUDE 7, 600 feet / 2, 280 meters

THIMPHU ALTITUDE 7, 730 feet / 2,320 meters

DISTANCE PARO – THIMPHU = 54 kilometers / 33.75 miles time taken 1:00 hours

Fly from Bangkok to Paro on Druk Air. From a left window seat on clear days you can experience a spectacular view of the Himalayan peaks as you approach Paro. On arrival you will be received by our representative and then start our drive to Thimphu. The road winds along with the Paro River, until you arrive at the confluence of Paro and Thimphu River. From here, we start north along the Thimphu River passing through paddy fields, villages and Apple orchards until we see the Capital City from a distance. We check in to our hotel. When we meet for lunch, we will have a short orientation with your tour guide on Bhutan’s current status and a few ‘Do’s and Don’ts’. If time permits, we will have sightseeing around Thimphu Valley. This will depend on the arrival time of your flight. Overnight at Migmar Hotel or similar.

DAY 02 THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING

After a late breakfast you will start your sightseeing of Thimphu starting off with a visit to the Medicine Institute where traditional medicines are prepared according to ancient practices. Then we head to The Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkhas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls). Followed by a visit to The Folk heritage Museum, a nineteenth century house, preserved to present the visitors with how middle class Bhutanese lived in the past. Next we will visit the National Library and head for lunch. After lunch, we visit Textile Museum, the traditional gold and silver smith workshop, weaving center and other places of interest. Overnight in hotel.

DAY 03 THIMPHU-PUNAKHA

PUNAKHA: ALTITUDE: 4,162 feet / 1,250 meters

DISTANCE: 71 Kilometers / 44.38 miles

TIME: 2-3 hours driving

ALTITUDE GAIN: 2,730 feet & ALTITUDE LOSS 6,298 feet

After breakfast we will start our drive to Punakha early before the clouds come in and block the views of Bhutan’s Snowcapped Mountain range seen from the Dochula Pass. Leaving Thimphu the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass (10,460 feet / 3,140 m). This pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, as we descend along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Punakha (1,350 meters/ 4,162 feet). Before proceeding further to our hotel we will hike up to Chimi Lhakhang temple on a small hilltop. This temple is dedicated to the great Yogi in 15^th century known as Drukpa Kuenley or popularly known as the “Divine madman” to the westerners. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility; it is about one and half hour of round trip walk. We will be having lunch on our way back down. After lunch we will proceed to Punakha town to view the majestic Dzong (fortress), situated between the two rivers, Pho Chu and Mochu (male and Female River). This fortress is now used as the winter seat of the Je Khenpo (the Spiritual head of Bhutan). In the past this Dzong was the capital seat of the Kingdom. We then finally check into our hotel. Overnight at Meri Puensum Resort or similar

DAY 04             PUNAKHA – TRONGSA

TRONGSA: ALTITUDE: 7,259 feet / 2,180 meters

DISTANCE: 143 Kilometers / 89.38 miles

TIME TAKEN: 6 hours driving

We will have an early, heavy breakfast today as our lunch will be late. The drive to Trongsa takes approximately 6 hours. We start early for the fabulous drive to the central valleys of Bhutan through the breathtaking beauties and serenity of Bhutan’s rich flora and fauna. We will be passing the Wangduephodrang district in confluence of Tsang Chu and Dang Chu rivers. We then climb steadily passing through semi-tropical vegetation and then to Pele la Pass (3,300 m/ 10,989 ft.) With an alpine environment of rhododendrons and dwarf bamboo, the Pass is traditionally considered the boundary between West and East Bhutan. During clear weather, we can view the high snowcapped peaks specially the Mount Chomolhari (7,314 m/ 24,355 ft.). We will make a brief stop at Chendebji Chorten. This Chorten or Stupa was built in 18^th century by a Lama known as Shida, in order to nail into the ground a demon that had been terrorizing the inhabitants of this valley and the Ada valley just over the ridge. Continue your drive to Trongsa, as you enter Trongsa valley, the huge fortress of Trongsa makes you wonder if you will ever reach it. Backing on mountain and built on several levels, the Dzong fits narrowly on a spur that sticks out into the gorge of the Mangde River and overlooks the routes south and west. The   view from the Dzong extends for many miles and in former times nothing could escape the vigilance of its watchmen. Arrive Trongsa and overnight at Yangkhil Resort, this resort offers a superb view of the soaring mountains and the majestic Trongsa Dzong.

DAY 05           TRONGSA – BUMTHANG (JAKAR)

BUMTHANG: ALTITUDE: 8,591feet / 2,580 meters

DISTANCE: 71 Kilometers / 44.38 miles

TIME: 2.5 hours driving

ALTITUDE GAIN: 1,245 meters / 4,145 feet & ALTITUDE LOSS 845 meters 2,814 feet

After breakfast we will drive to visit the majestic Trongsa Dzong, built in 1647, by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal, this Dzong was the source of many important historical events in making of Modern Bhutan. Our car will drop us at the junction of the road to Bazaar and the Dzong, you will walk from here to the Dzong. After the visit, we will walk to town where we will have about 30 minutes to explore the small town (this is the best time for restroom breaks). We will then continue our walk towards Taa Dzong, the ancient watchtower. This tower had served as the watch tower in the ancient time, now it is turned into a beautiful museum dedicated to the Kings of Bhutan. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria here. If closed, we will have picnic lunch on the way to Bumthang. We will start our drive to Bumthang, crossing the Yotongla Pass and into the first four valley of Bumthang known as Chumey, we will make a short stop at Tsungney village, where we will observe the weavers weaving the famous Bumthang fabric known as Yathra. Continue our drive for an hour and arrive at the Chokhor Valley, if time permits your car will drop you at the Chamkhar Bazaar, from where you can walk back to the hotel after sightseeing around the market.

Overnight at Yu-Gharling Resort.

DAY 06 BUMTHANG SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast we will start our sightseeing around Chokhor valley. We begin our walk around the valley from our Lodge carrying our day pack towards the Chakar Lhakhang which was built in the 8^th century. This House was a castle of the King Sindhu Raja who used to rule the Bumthang Valley. Continue our walk towards Jambay Lhakhang, a temple built in the 7^th century by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gonpo. This temple represents the ages of the world (past, present and future). Continue your hike to Kurjey monastery, it is here, the great tantric saint Padmasambhava had meditated and left his imprint in the cave, hence known as Kurjey (body imprint). Continue your hike north and cross the Chamkhar River over a suspension bridge (if you have fear of height, your car will drive you to the other side from a different route) and we will arrive at Tamshing Lhakhang. Terton Pemalingpa (Terton meaning treasure reviver) built this temple in the 1500s. You will be picked up here by your car. Rest of the day free for you to explore the small town before heading back to the hotel.

DAY 07 BUMTHANG – URA VALLEY

After breakfast, we will be driving to Ura village situated at 10,000 feet above sea level. There is about 40-50 closely packed houses alongside cobblestone streets that give the village a medieval atmosphere. The drive to Ura takes about 2 hours, however we will stop at the Serthangla Pass, from where you can get the view of Ura Valley down below. We will start hiking downhill from here till we reach the Ura Temple. We will visit the temple and continue our walk through the clustered village of Ura making frequent stops to converse with the villagers, children and womenfolk that wear a ship skin on their back to protect from loads they carry. Our lunch will be served at a village house, after lunch we will walk towards the school and observe the young students of Ura engrossed in their lesson. We will then say goodbye to this beautiful village and drive back to hotel.

DAY 08 BUMTHANG – PHOBJIKHA

After breakfast we will start our drive towards Phobjikha. This valley is the designated winter home for 100s of endangered black-necked crane that migrate here from the Tibetan plateaus. This valley is also known for produce of best potatoes in Bhutan. Overnight at Dewachen Resort or similar.

DAY 09 PHOBJIKHA – PUNAKHA

After breakfast, we will take a trail hike around the valley. From the Phobjikha Pass we will start walking downhill to Gangtey Monastery. If you enjoy nature then this is a beautiful walk. If lucky, you may encounter the endangered Red Panda and many bird species. We will visit the magnificent Gangtey Monastery that overlooks the valley. After lunch, we will drive back to Punakha. Overnight in Punakha.

DAY 10 PUNAKHA – PARO

After breakfast, we will start our drive to Thimphu. En route, we will stop at the Dochula Pass for leg stretch while enjoying the spectacular view. Next stop will be at Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom which now houses the School for Buddhist studies. We will then head to Thimphu town for lunch and souvenir shopping before heading back to Paro. Overnight in Khangkhu or similar

DAY 11 PARO SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast we will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, built by a Tibetan King known as Songtsen Gompo in the 7^th century, we will continue to the National Museum of Bhutan, (Ta Dzong) which contains works of art, handicrafts, costumes, armors and rare stamps. From here we will take a short hike to Zuri Dzong (walking time 2 hours).  From the National Museum in the Ta Dzong, take a leisurely 2 hour hike along the forested hillside to Zuri Dzong and then down to the Uma resort, where your driver will pick you up.  The walk passes Gonsaka Lhakhang and then Zuri Dzong and provides wonderful views down over the valley and Dzong.  Zuri Dzong dates from 1352 and is home to the valley’s local protector gods. Overnight in Paro.

DAY 12 PARO SIGHTSEEING

Today will be a relaxing day in order to prepare for the hike to Tiger’s nest. After breakfast we will drive 20 minutes North of Paro to visit the Drukgyal Dzong built in 1647 by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal, the Dzong was destroyed by fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. On a clear day you can get a magnificent view of the Mount Chomolhari, alt. 7314 m / 23,990 ft. Go around the fortress, it is a 30 minutes leisurely hike, this is a beautiful walk. Next we will drive south and visit Paro Rimpung Dzong. You will walk through a traditional covered bridge and then short uphill walk of about 15 minutes to the Dzong, return to town and lunch will be served. After lunch, we are free for souvenir shopping at the Paro market and return to hotel in the evening.

DAY 13 EXCURSION TO TAKTSANG MONASTERY.

After breakfast our car will drop us at the starting point of the excursion to view the spectacular Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s lair) which will take us about 3-4 hours. The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. You stop at the cafeteria for a rest and refreshments and continue the hike (if not tired) for short while until you see, clearly and seemingly within reach, the Taktsang monastery. Built in 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. The history states that Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tiger. Looking at the monastery flying tigers doesn’t seem so impossible after all. On our way back down, lunch will be served at the cafeteria. After lunch we start our hike back to Paro valley, if time permits we will have some more sightseeing or a free day for more shopping in the small Bazaar.

DAY 14             DEPART BHUTAN.

After breakfast our car will drop us at the Paro International airport for our flight back to your next destination

 

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